Early last week, I wouldn’t have believed anyone for a second that collard greens could be eaten raw.
Firstly, they’re usually stewed (to death) for hours with ham hocks or bacon. Second, they remind me of high quality leather.
Last week, I would have scoffed at the idea that collards are the new kale. I understand that they’re good for you; but how in the world do you get them to not taste like cow hide?
Well, as it turns out, raw collards are my new favorite thing. And I’ll share with you how to make this amazing vegan green salad that is so nourishing, so filling and unbelievably delicious.
Here’s the not-so-new secret to getting leafy greens to taste delicious when raw: remove the tough ribs, slice the leaves thinly and massage them with some sea salt for about a minute. By drawing water out of the leaves, the salt makes them softer and less stiff. It’s like wilting the vegetables without having to cook them, which means you retain all the nutrients that make leafy greens so good for the body.
What else is in this salad? Only the most delicious hearty things!
Beets are unbelievably healthy and filling, and they add a gorgeous magenta contrast to the collards.
Apples can basically make any salad taste good, and are available almost anywhere.
Pepitas, or pumpkin seeds, add a rich and crunchy texture.
And dried cranberries are one of my favorite things to add to salads (make sure they’re sweetened with real sugar, not corn syrup!).
Another fabulous thing about this salad? It keeps well. I packed it for dinner on-the-go one evening and was just thrilled to devour it on my break. Because collards are such sturdy vegetables, this salad is perfect for bringing to work.
Have I convinced you to try raw collards yet? Give it a go!
Collard Greens Salad with Apples, Beets and Pepitas (Vegan)
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens (fresh, smaller greens are best.)
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 large or 2 small beets
– 1 large apple
– 1 handful pepitas
– 1 handful dried cranberries
For the dressing:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Juice from 1 lemon
– 1 tablespoon brown mustard
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Roast the beets and dice into bite-size pieces. Here are instructions on roasting beets.
Remove the tough ribs of the collards by slicing with a knife. Roll up the leaves together, and slice them very thinly (i.e. chiffonade).
Place the chopped leaves into a large bowl. Sprinkle evenly with sea salt, and massage the leaves for approximately one minute. The leaves should soften and become fragrant.
Dice the apple and toss the salad with the chopped beets, apple, pepitas and cranberries.
Mix the dressing until well-incorporated, and drizzle over the salad. Enjoy!
i don’t normally get too excited about salad but this looks amazing!
xx danielle // shadesofdanielle.blogspot.com
Thank you for the convincing! I really want to try this now. I’ve never really considered eating collard greens, because I used to feed it to my iguana, and that just made it seem unappetizing. I’ve been needing more delicious salads though, so I look forward to this!
No way! Definitely got to give this a try!
Happy February girlfriend =)
Haha thank you Deniz! Ever since we started subscribing to Community Supported Agriculture, I’ve had to be a bit more inventive! 😉
Hahah thanks girl. I’m trying to make veggies more enticing to myself 😉
I hope you do Camille! I would never have thought that collards could be good… but they are! Farmers’ market collards are the best. Hope you’re doing well, friend!
Yeah, collards are not a super popular vegetable but they’re crazy good for you! 😉 I really appreciate you stopping by!
Thank you, Heidi! I really appreciate you stopping by! Enjoy your weekend 🙂
Thank you, friend! I agree about cabbage– amazing, especially purple cabbage! I really appreciate you stopping by!
Thanks girl! I really appreciate you stopping by!
Thank you, friend! I really appreciate you stopping by!
Haha I’m almost convinced that I like collards more than kale now! But both are awesome. Hope you’re doing well, dear friend!
Thank you, Shannon! Collards are definitely not a common vegetable but they’re supposed to be crazy nutritious (like 3 vegetables in one, haha). Hope you’re doing well, Shannon!
Thank you, Gina! It definitely works and I’m totally obsessed. I really appreciate you stopping by!
Thank you, Becky! I really appreciate you stopping by!
Thank you, friend! I really appreciate you stopping by!
Thanks Charity! I love love love raw collards now… I daresay they’re just as good as kale!
Haha glad it made you laugh! Hope you’re doing well, friend!
Can I just say I admire your ability to experiment with food?! I usually stick with whatever is “safe” – I love seeing how you always try new things, Daisy!
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
Girl, you’ve managed to make vegetables look mouthwatering and I assure you, I’m not the kind of gal who usually craves these things…
K.xo
http://www.rarelytakenseriously.com
This looks delicious! I am not usually a fan of collard greens but this looks so great that I am going to give it a try!
xoxo,
Camille
The Lovely Theory
Thank you for sharing this recipe! I’ve actually never had collard greens before! This recipe looks like it’s worth a try!
Katherine Lou
http://www.wanderhour.com
I’ve been trying more salads lately so I’ll definitely be trying this one. I’m running a giveaway on my blog, I hope you’ll check it out!
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
I’ll definitely have to try this, I recently started eating salads with cabbage (surprisingly DELICIOUS), so I’ll give collard greens a go now 🙂
thejoifullife.com
You always have the best healthy and delicious recipes!
lovejoanna.com
I’ve never had pepitas! Looks yummmy 🙂
Hmmmm raw collards. I have to say it does sound a bit intimidating. I’m a huge lover of Kale, but who knows perhaps I can be swayed. Trying never hurt, right? (;
accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com
Once again, you make everything look delicious! I’ve never had collard greens and honestly never even considered it, but this makes them look worth trying!
Yum! I love your tips about making raw greens taste better. I never thought to do it! Thanks so much for sharing, Daisy! 🙂
So healthy and looks amazing, Daisy!
VelvetandVino.com
This looks pretty good. I’ve never tried collard greens before!
http://www.losetheroad.blogspot.ca
I don’t particular care for fruit in my salad but I do add in pepitas a lot! I did hear that collard greens are the new kale so will have to give them a try. Great pictures Daisy 😉
Ha, the start of this post – so funny 🙂 This looks really tasty, will have to try it out. I love adding apple and cranberries (dried and fresh) to my salads, it definitely boosts a plain salad. And the dressing sounds so good. Hope you’re doing well, Daisy!